JP2022151929A - Electrolyte membrane/electrode structure with power generation cell and resin frame - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an electrolyte membrane/electrode structure with a power generation cell and a resin frame that can reduce the pressure loss in a buffer portion and improve the performance of the buffer portion while suppressing an increase in the thickness of each unit cell.SOLUTION: A power generation cell 10 includes an electrolyte membrane/electrode structure 12 with a resin frame. A cathode electrode 26 of the electrolyte membrane/electrode assembly 12 with the resin frame is larger than the anode electrode 24 in plan view. The outer peripheral portion of the anode electrode 24 is located inward, which is closer to a fuel gas flow path 38 than a first buffer portion 39. The outer peripheral portion of the cathode electrode 26 is arranged between the resin frame member 22 and the second buffer portion 41.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a power generating cell and an electrolyte membrane/electrode assembly with a resin frame.

Conventionally, an electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) in which an anode electrode is arranged on one side of an electrolyte membrane made of a polymer ion exchange membrane and a cathode electrode is arranged on the other side of the electrolyte membrane; Fuel cells (power cells) with arranged separators (bipolar plates) are known. Normally, a fuel cell stack is configured by stacking a predetermined number of power generation cells. A fuel cell stack is incorporated in a fuel cell vehicle (such as a fuel cell electric vehicle) as an in-vehicle fuel cell stack, for example.

In the fuel cell, a reactant gas channel through which the reactant gas flows along the power generation region of the electrolyte membrane/electrode assembly, a communicating hole through which the reactant gas flows along the stacking direction of the fuel cell, and a reactant gas channel and the communicating hole. A buffer portion is provided for distributing or concentrating the reaction gas in the width direction of the flow path between them (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-172924 A

By the way, when the outer peripheral portion of the anode electrode and the outer peripheral portion of the cathode electrode are arranged in a position overlapping the buffer portion, the depth (channel height) of the buffer portion where the anode electrode and the cathode electrode are present is limited. resulting in high pressure loss and non-uniform gas distribution in the power generation area. On the other hand, if priority is given to securing the depth of the buffer portion, the thickness of each unit cell of the fuel cell increases.

The present invention provides a power generation cell and an electrolyte membrane/electrode structure with a resin frame that can suppress an increase in pressure loss in a buffer section while suppressing an increase in the thickness of a single cell, thereby improving the performance of the buffer section. intended to provide

A first aspect of the present invention is an electrolyte membrane/electrode assembly with a resin frame, which includes an electrolyte membrane/electrode assembly and a resin frame member bonded to the outer periphery of the electrolyte membrane/electrode assembly; A power generation cell comprising: a first separator laminated on one side of an electrolyte membrane/electrode assembly with a frame; and a second separator laminated on the other side of the electrolyte membrane/electrode assembly with a resin frame. , the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly comprises an electrolyte membrane, a first electrode arranged on one side of the electrolyte membrane, and a second electrode arranged on the other side of the electrolyte membrane and having a plane dimension larger than that of the first electrode. The first separator has a first reactant gas channel for flowing a first reactant gas facing the power generation region of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly, and penetrates in the thickness direction of the power generation cell. and a first buffer portion that communicates the first reactant gas flow path and the first communication hole, and the second separator is the power generation region of the electrolyte membrane electrode assembly. a second reaction gas flow path for flowing a second reaction gas facing the , a second communication hole penetrating in the thickness direction of the power generating cell, and the second reaction gas flow path and the second communication hole a communicating second buffer portion, wherein the outer peripheral portion of the first electrode is located inward of the first buffer portion on the side of the first reactant gas flow path, and the outer peripheral portion of the second electrode is and a power generation cell disposed between the resin frame member and the second buffer section in the stacking direction of the resin frame electrolyte membrane electrode assembly and the second separator.

A second aspect of the present invention is an electrolyte membrane/electrode assembly with a resin frame, comprising an electrolyte membrane/electrode assembly and a resin frame member bonded to the outer periphery of the electrolyte membrane/electrode assembly, The electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly includes an electrolyte membrane, a first electrode arranged on one side of the electrolyte membrane, and a second electrode arranged on the other side of the electrolyte membrane and having a plane dimension larger than that of the first electrode. The first electrode has a first electrode catalyst layer disposed on one surface of the electrolyte membrane, and a first gas diffusion layer overlapping the first electrode catalyst layer, and the second electrode has a second electrode catalyst layer disposed on the other surface of the electrolyte membrane, and a second gas diffusion layer overlapping the second electrode catalyst layer and having a planar dimension larger than that of the first gas diffusion layer, The electrolyte membrane, the first electrode catalyst layer, and the second electrode catalyst layer constitute a catalyst-coated membrane, and the resin frame member includes a first frame-shaped sheet and a second frame-shaped sheet joined to the first frame-shaped sheet. The electrolyte membrane, the first electrode catalyst layer, and the second electrode catalyst layer in the outer peripheral portion of the catalyst-coated membrane are arranged in the inner peripheral portion of the first frame-shaped sheet and the The resin frame member has a non-overlapping portion that does not overlap with the catalyst coating film, and the outer peripheral end of the first gas diffusion layer An electrolyte membrane-electrode structure with a resin frame is located inside the overlapping portion, and the outer peripheral portion of the second gas diffusion layer overlaps the non-overlapping portion.

According to the present invention, the outer peripheral portion of the first electrode is located inward of the first buffer portion on the first reactant gas flow path side, and the outer peripheral portion of the second electrode is located between the resin frame member and the second buffer portion. placed in between. Therefore, since the outer peripheral portion of the first electrode does not overlap in the first buffer portion, it is easy to ensure the depth (channel height) of the first buffer portion. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in pressure loss in the buffer section while suppressing an increase in the thickness of each unit cell, thereby enhancing the performance of the buffer section.

1 is an exploded perspective view of a power generation cell according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the power generation cell shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a plan view of a second separator; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a power generation cell according to another aspect (first modification); FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a power generation cell according to another aspect (second modification);

As shown in FIG. 1, a power generation cell (fuel cell) 10 includes a resin-framed electrolyte membrane/electrode structure (hereinafter referred to as "resin-framed MEA 12") and separators disposed on both sides of the resin-framed MEA 12. 14. The power generation cell 10 is, for example, a horizontally long (or vertically long) rectangular polymer electrolyte fuel cell.

A plurality of power generation cells 10 are stacked, for example, in the horizontal direction (direction of arrow A) or the direction of gravity (direction of arrow C), and a tightening load (compressive load) is applied in the stacking direction to form a fuel cell stack. be done. The fuel cell stack is mounted in a fuel cell electric vehicle (not shown) as an in-vehicle fuel cell stack, for example.

At one end edge of the power generating cell 10 in the arrow B direction (horizontal direction), there are provided oxidant gas inlet communication holes 18a, cooling medium inlet communication holes 20a, and fuel gas outlet communication holes that communicate with each other in the direction of arrow A, which is the stacking direction. A hole 16b is provided. The oxidizing gas inlet communication hole 18a supplies an oxidizing gas such as an oxygen-containing gas, while the cooling medium inlet communication hole 20a supplies a cooling medium. The fuel gas outlet communication hole 16b discharges fuel gas such as hydrogen-containing gas. The oxidant gas inlet communication hole 18a, the cooling medium inlet communication hole 20a, and the fuel gas outlet communication hole 16b are arranged in the direction of arrow C (vertical direction).

At the other end edge of the power generating cell 10 in the arrow B direction, there are provided a fuel gas inlet communication hole 16a for supplying fuel gas, a cooling medium outlet communication hole 20b for discharging the cooling medium, and an oxidizing An oxidant gas outlet communication hole 18b for discharging the oxidant gas is provided. The fuel gas inlet communication hole 16a, the cooling medium outlet communication hole 20b, and the oxidant gas outlet communication hole 18b are arranged in the arrow C direction.

In the power generation cell 10 , the resin-framed MEA 12 is sandwiched between metallic separators 14 . Hereinafter, the separator 14 provided on one side of the resin-framed MEA 12 is also referred to as the "first separator 14a", and the separator 14 provided on the other side of the resin-framed MEA 12 is also referred to as the "second separator 14b". Say. The first separator 14a and the second separator 14b have a horizontally long (or vertically long) rectangular shape.

The resin-framed MEA 12 includes an electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 12a (hereinafter referred to as "MEA 12a") and a resin frame member 22 that is joined to and surrounds the outer periphery of the MEA 12a.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the MEA 12 a has an electrolyte membrane 23 , an anode electrode 24 provided on one side of the electrolyte membrane 23 , and a cathode electrode 26 provided on the other side of the electrolyte membrane 23 . The electrolyte membrane 23 is, for example, a solid polymer electrolyte membrane (cation exchange membrane). The solid polymer electrolyte membrane is, for example, a thin film of perfluorosulfonic acid containing water. The electrolyte membrane 23 is sandwiched between the anode electrode 24 and the cathode electrode 26 . The electrolyte membrane 23 can use an HC (hydrocarbon)-based electrolyte in addition to the fluorine-based electrolyte. The resin frame member 22 is a frame-shaped resin film (subgasket) having a rectangular planar shape, the inner peripheral portion of which is joined to the outer peripheral portion of the MEA 12a.

As shown in FIG. 1, at one end of each of the resin frame member 22, the first separator 14a and the second separator 14b in the direction of the arrow B, the fuel gas outlet communication hole 16b, the oxidizing gas inlet communication hole 18a and the cooling medium are provided. An inlet communication hole 20a is provided. A fuel gas inlet communication hole 16a, an oxidant gas outlet communication hole 18b, and a cooling medium outlet communication hole 20b are provided at the other ends of the resin frame member 22, the first separator 14a, and the second separator 14b in the direction of the arrow B, respectively. be done.

The separator 14 is formed, for example, by pressing a steel plate, a stainless steel plate, an aluminum plate, a plated steel plate, or a thin metal plate whose metal surface is subjected to anti-corrosion surface treatment, into a corrugated cross section. The first separator 14a and the second separator 14b are integrally joined together by welding, brazing, caulking, or the like at their outer peripheries to form a joined separator 32. As shown in FIG. Between the first separator 14a and the second separator 14b adjacent to each other, a cooling medium flow path 42 communicating with the cooling medium inlet communication hole 20a and the cooling medium outlet communication hole 20b extends in the direction of arrow B. It is formed.

A surface 14as of the first separator 14a facing the MEA 12 with a resin frame is provided with a fuel gas flow path 38 that communicates with the fuel gas inlet communication hole 16a and the fuel gas outlet communication hole 16b. Specifically, the fuel gas channel 38 is formed between the first separator 14a and the MEA 12 with a resin frame. The fuel gas channel 38 is a channel for flowing the fuel gas facing the power generation region of the MEA 12a. The fuel gas channel 38 has a plurality of channel projections 38a extending in the arrow B direction. Each channel projection 38a may have a wavy shape. A plurality of channel grooves are formed between these channel projections 38a.

On the surface 14as of the first separator 14a, a first inlet buffer portion 39a for communicating (connecting) the fuel gas inlet communication hole 16a and the fuel gas flow path 38, and a fuel gas flow path 38 and the fuel gas outlet communication hole 16b. is provided with a first outlet buffer portion 39b that communicates (connects) the . The first inlet buffer portion 39 a distributes (distributes) the fuel gas introduced from the fuel gas inlet communication hole 16 a in the width direction of the fuel gas flow path 38 . The first outlet buffer portion 39b collects the fuel gas that has passed through the fuel gas channel 38 in the width direction of the fuel gas channel 38 and sends it to the fuel gas outlet communication hole 16b.

The first inlet buffer portion 39a and the first outlet buffer portion 39b each have a plurality of protrusions 50 protruding toward the resin frame member 22. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 1, the plurality of projections 50 are a plurality of linear guide flow path projections 50t. The plurality of protrusions 50 may be a plurality of embossments that are distributed in a dotted manner. Hereinafter, the first inlet buffer section 39a and the first outlet buffer section 39b may be collectively referred to as the "first buffer section 39".

The surface 14as of the first separator 14a is provided integrally with the first separator 14a with a first seal line 44 for preventing leakage of fluid (fuel gas, oxidant gas, or cooling medium). The first seal line 44 surrounds the outer periphery of the first separator 14a. The first seal line 44 bulges (protrudes) toward the resin frame member 22 and contacts the resin frame member 22 in an air-tight and liquid-tight manner.

The first seal line 44 has a plurality of bead seal structures 45 . The plurality of bead seal structures 45 includes a corrugated peripheral edge bead seal 45a surrounding the fuel gas flow path 38 and a plurality of communication hole bead portions 45b individually surrounding the communication holes 16a, 16b, 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b. have. The peripheral edge bead seal 45a surrounds the fuel gas flow path 38, the fuel gas inlet communication hole 16a and the fuel gas outlet communication hole 16b and communicates them. The planar shape of the peripheral edge bead seal 45a and the communicating hole bead portion 45b may be a straight shape.

As shown in FIG. 3, the surface 14bs of the second separator 14b facing the MEA 12 with a resin frame is provided with an oxidizing gas channel 40 communicating with the oxidizing gas inlet communicating hole 18a and the oxidizing gas outlet communicating hole 18b. be done. Specifically, the oxidant gas channel 40 is formed between the second separator 14b and the MEA 12 with a resin frame. The oxidant gas channel 40 is a channel for flowing the oxidant gas facing the power generation region of the MEA 12 . The oxidant gas channel 40 has a plurality of channel projections 40a extending in the arrow B direction. Each channel projection 40a may have a wavy shape. A plurality of channel grooves are formed between these channel projections 40a.

On the surface 14bs of the second separator 14b, there are provided a second inlet buffer portion 41a that communicates (connects) the oxidant gas inlet communication hole 18a and the oxidant gas channel 40, the oxidant gas channel 40 and the oxidant gas outlet. A second outlet buffer portion 41b that communicates (connects) with the communication hole 18b is provided. The second inlet buffer section 41 a distributes (distributes) the oxidizing gas introduced from the oxidizing gas inlet communication hole 18 a in the width direction of the oxidizing gas channel 40 . The second outlet buffer part 41b collects the oxidant gas that has passed through the oxidant gas channel 40 in the width direction of the oxidant gas channel 40 and sends it to the oxidant gas outlet communication hole 18b.

The second inlet buffer portion 41a and the second outlet buffer portion 41b each have a plurality of protrusions 52 that protrude toward the resin frame member 22 . In FIG. 3, the plurality of projections 52 are a plurality of linear guide flow path projections 52t. The plurality of protrusions 52 may be a plurality of embossments that are distributed in dots. Hereinafter, the second inlet buffer section 41a and the second outlet buffer section 41b may be collectively referred to as the "second buffer section 41".

On the surface 14bs of the second separator 14b, a second seal line 46 is provided integrally with the second separator 14b so as to surround the outer periphery of the second separator 14b in order to prevent fluid leakage. The second seal line 46 protrudes toward the resin frame member 22 and contacts the resin frame member 22 in an airtight and liquid-tight manner.

The second seal line 46 has a plurality of bead seal structures 47 . The plurality of bead seal structures 47 has a corrugated peripheral edge bead seal 47a and a plurality of communication hole bead portions 47b individually surrounding the communication holes 16a, 16b, 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b. The peripheral bead seal 47a surrounds the oxidizing gas flow path 40, the oxidizing gas inlet communication hole 18a, and the oxidizing gas outlet communication hole 18b and communicates them. The planar shape of the peripheral edge bead seal 47a and the communicating hole bead portion 47b may be a straight shape.

Next, with reference to FIG. 2, a specific structure of the resin-framed MEA 12 will be described.

The anode electrode 24 has a first electrode catalyst layer 24a bonded to one surface 23a of the electrolyte membrane 23, and a first gas diffusion layer 24b laminated on the first electrode catalyst layer 24a. The thickness of the first gas diffusion layer 24b is considerably thicker than the thickness of the first electrode catalyst layer 24a. The cathode electrode 26 has a second electrode catalyst layer 26a bonded to the other surface 23b of the electrolyte membrane 23, and a second gas diffusion layer 26b laminated on the second electrode catalyst layer 26a. The thickness of the second gas diffusion layer 26b is considerably thicker than the thickness of the second electrode catalyst layer 26a. A catalyst coated membrane 27 (CCM: Catalyst Coated Membrane) is composed of the electrolyte membrane 23, the first electrode catalyst layer 24a, and the second electrode catalyst layer 26a. The planar dimension of the cathode electrode 26 is larger than the planar dimension of the anode electrode 24 . Specifically, the planar dimensions of the second gas diffusion layer 26 b that constitutes the cathode electrode 26 are larger than the planar dimensions of the first gas diffusion layer 24 b that constitutes the anode electrode 24 .

The first electrode catalyst layer 24a is formed by, for example, uniformly coating the surface of the first gas diffusion layer 24b with porous carbon particles having a platinum alloy supported on the surface together with an ion conductive polymer binder. The second electrode catalyst layer 26a is formed by, for example, uniformly coating the surface of the second gas diffusion layer 26b with porous carbon particles having a platinum alloy supported on the surface together with an ion conductive polymer binder. The planar shapes of the first electrode catalyst layer 24a and the second electrode catalyst layer 26a are both rectangular.

The planar dimension of the first electrode catalyst layer 24a is larger than the planar dimension of the second electrode catalyst layer 26a. Therefore, the outer peripheral portion of the first electrode catalyst layer 24a protrudes outward from the outer peripheral end of the second electrode catalyst layer 26a over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral portion. The planar dimension of the first electrode catalyst layer 24 a is substantially the same as the planar dimension of the electrolyte membrane 23 . The planar dimension of the second electrode catalyst layer 26 a is smaller than the planar dimension of the electrolyte membrane 23 . Therefore, the outer peripheral edge of the second electrode catalyst layer 26a is located inside the outer peripheral edge of the electrolyte membrane 23 over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral edge.

The first gas diffusion layer 24b and the second gas diffusion layer 26b are made of carbon paper, carbon cloth, or the like. The planar shapes of the first gas diffusion layer 24b and the second gas diffusion layer 26b are both rectangular. The planar dimension of the first gas diffusion layer 24b is substantially the same as the planar dimension of the electrolyte membrane 23 and the planar dimension of the first electrode catalyst layer 24a. Although not shown, a microporous layer is formed on the entire surface of each of the first gas diffusion layer 24b and the second gas diffusion layer 26b on the electrolyte membrane 23 side.

The resin frame member 22 has two frame-shaped sheets (resin sheets). Specifically, the resin frame member 22 has a first frame-shaped sheet 22a and a second frame-shaped sheet 22b joined to the first frame-shaped sheet 22a. In the MEA 12a, the area inside the inner peripheral edge of the resin frame member 22 (the inner peripheral edge 22ae of the first frame-shaped sheet 22a and the inner peripheral edge 22be of the second frame-shaped sheet 22b) is the power generation area.

The first frame-shaped sheet 22a and the second frame-shaped sheet 22b are made of a resin material. Materials constituting the first frame-shaped sheet 22a and the second frame-shaped sheet 22b include, for example, PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), PPA (polyphthalamide), PEN (polyethylene naphthalate), PES (polyether sulfone), and LCP. (liquid crystal polymer), PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), silicone resin, fluorine resin, m-PPE (modified polyphenylene ether resin), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) or modified polyolefin, PI (polyimide), etc. is mentioned.

The first frame-shaped sheet 22a and the second frame-shaped sheet 22b are directly joined by an adhesive layer 22c over the entire circumference of the first frame-shaped sheet 22a and the second frame-shaped sheet 22b. The plane dimensions of the first frame-shaped sheet 22a and the second frame-shaped sheet 22b are set to be substantially the same. The first frame-shaped sheet 22a and the second frame-shaped sheet 22b may have different planar dimensions. The first frame-shaped sheet 22a and the second frame-shaped sheet 22b have substantially the same thickness. The first frame-shaped sheet 22a and the second frame-shaped sheet 22b may have different thicknesses.

An overlapping portion 54 where the inner peripheral portion of the resin frame member 22 and the outer peripheral portion of the anode electrode 24 overlap (specifically, the inner peripheral portion of the first frame-shaped sheet 22a and the outer peripheral portion of the first gas diffusion layer 24b overlap). portion) overlaps with a stepped portion 38 s provided on the flow path protrusion 38 a that constitutes the fuel gas flow path 38 . The stepped portion 38s is provided at the end portion of the flow path projection 38a in the gas flow direction (arrow B direction), and has a lower projection height from the base plate portion 15a than the general portion 38n of the flow path projection 38a. The general portion 38n is a portion inside the stepped portion 38s. The step portion 38s presses the outer peripheral portion of the first gas diffusion layer 24b toward the second gas diffusion layer 26b.

The outer peripheral portion of the anode electrode 24 (the outer peripheral portion of the first electrode catalyst layer 24a and the outer peripheral portion of the first gas diffusion layer 24b) is located inside the first buffer portion 39 (toward the fuel gas flow path 38). Therefore, the convex portion 50 of the first buffer portion 39 is in direct contact with the resin frame member 22 without passing through the outer peripheral portion of the first gas diffusion layer 24b.

On the other hand, the outer peripheral portion of the cathode electrode 26 (the outer peripheral portion of the second gas diffusion layer 26b) is located between the resin frame member 22 and the second buffer portion 41 in the stacking direction of the resin-framed MEA 12 and the second separator 14b. are placed. Therefore, the convex portion 52 of the second buffer portion 41 contacts the second gas diffusion layer 26b and supports the second gas diffusion layer 26b. The channel protrusion 40a that forms the oxidant gas channel 40 has a stepped portion 40s. The stepped portion 40s is provided at the end of the flow path projection 40a in the gas flow direction (arrow B direction), and has a lower projection height from the base plate portion 15b than the general portion 40n of the flow path projection 40a. The general portion 40n is a portion inside the stepped portion 40s. The step portion 40s is located inward of the convex portion 52 of the second buffer portion 41 and presses the second gas diffusion layer 26b toward the first gas diffusion layer 24b.

In this manner, the outer peripheral portion of the first gas diffusion layer 24b is located inside the first buffer portion 39, and the outer peripheral portion of the second gas diffusion layer 26b is located between the resin frame member 22 and the second buffer portion 41. located in The depth H2 (channel height) of the second buffer portion 41 is deeper than the depth H1 (channel height) of the first buffer portion 39 . That is, the protrusion height of the protrusions 52 of the second buffer section 41 is higher than the protrusion height of the protrusions 50 of the first buffer section 39 . The depth H1 of the first buffer portion 39 (projection height of the convex portion 50) may be approximately the same as the projection height T1 of the flow channel projection 38a of the fuel gas flow channel 38, or may be different from the projection height T1. may The depth H2 of the second buffer portion 41 (protrusion height of the convex portion 52) is higher than the protrusion height T2 of the channel projection 40a of the oxidant gas channel 40. As shown in FIG. The depth H2 of the second buffer portion 41 may be the same as the projection height T2 of the passage projection 40a.

The electrolyte membrane 23, the first electrode catalyst layer 24a, and the second electrode catalyst layer 26a in the outer peripheral portion of the catalyst coated membrane 27 overlap the inner peripheral portion of the first frame-shaped sheet 22a and the inner peripheral portion of the second frame-shaped sheet 22b. It is sandwiched by and.

The inner peripheral portion of the first frame-shaped sheet 22a has a first overlapping portion 22ak that overlaps the outer peripheral portion of the MEA 12a over the entire circumference of the inner peripheral portion. The inner peripheral end 22ae of the first frame-shaped sheet 22a is positioned inward from the outer peripheral end 24be of the first gas diffusion layer 24b. The inner peripheral portion of the first frame-shaped sheet 22a is sandwiched between the first electrode catalyst layer 24a and the first gas diffusion layer 24b. An adhesive layer 22c provided on the inner peripheral portion of the first frame-shaped sheet 22a is in contact with one surface 23a of the electrolyte membrane 23. As shown in FIG.

The inner peripheral portion of the second frame-shaped sheet 22b has a second overlapping portion 22bk that overlaps the outer peripheral portion of the MEA 12a. The inner peripheral end 22be of the second frame-shaped sheet 22b is positioned inward from the outer peripheral end 26be of the second gas diffusion layer 26b. The inner peripheral portion of the second frame-shaped sheet 22b is sandwiched between the second electrode catalyst layer 26a and the second gas diffusion layer 26b. The adhesive layer 22c provided on the inner periphery of the second frame-shaped sheet 22b is in contact with the other surface 23b of the electrolyte membrane 23. As shown in FIG.

The resin frame member 22 has a non-overlapping portion 22 f that does not overlap the catalyst coating film 27 . The non-overlapping portion 22 f is a portion of the resin frame member 22 outside the outer peripheral edge of the catalyst coating film 27 . The outer peripheral end 24be of the first gas diffusion layer 24b is positioned inward (on the fuel gas flow path 38 side) of the non-overlapping portion 22f of the resin frame member 22 . On the other hand, the outer peripheral portion of the second gas diffusion layer 26 b overlaps the non-overlapping portion 22 f of the resin frame member 22 .

As shown in FIG. 3, the planar dimension of the second gas diffusion layer 26b is larger than the planar dimension of the first gas diffusion layer 24b. Therefore, the outer peripheral portion of the second gas diffusion layer 26b protrudes outward from the outer peripheral end 24be of the first gas diffusion layer 24b over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral portion. In FIG. 3, the first protrusion dimension L1 is the length of the rectangular power generation cell 10 (FIG. 1) (the length direction of the fuel gas channel 38 and the oxidizing gas channel 40; direction B). This is the length of the layer 26b protruding outward from the first gas diffusion layer 24b. The second protrusion dimension L2 is greater than the first gas diffusion layer 24b of the second gas diffusion layer 26b in the lateral direction of the power generation cell 10 (the width direction of the fuel gas flow channel 38 and the oxidant gas flow channel 40; direction C). It is the length that protrudes outward. The first protrusion dimension L1 is greater than the second protrusion dimension L2. The second protrusion dimension L2 may be zero (the dimensions of the first gas diffusion layer 24b and the second gas diffusion layer 26b in the lateral direction of the power generation cell 10 are the same).

The operation of the power generation cell 10 configured in this way will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 1, an oxidizing gas such as an oxygen-containing gas is supplied to the oxidizing gas inlet passage 18a, and a fuel gas such as a hydrogen-containing gas is supplied to the fuel gas inlet passage 16a. be. Further, a cooling medium such as pure water, ethylene glycol, or oil is supplied to the cooling medium inlet communication hole 20a.

Therefore, the oxidant gas is introduced from the oxidant gas inlet communication hole 18a into the oxidant gas channel 40 of the second separator 14b, moves in the direction of arrow B, and is supplied to the cathode electrode 26 of the MEA 12a. On the other hand, the fuel gas is introduced from the fuel gas inlet communication hole 16a into the fuel gas channel 38 of the first separator 14a, moves along the fuel gas channel 38 in the direction of arrow B, and is supplied to the anode electrode 24 of the MEA 12a. be. The pressure of the fuel gas supplied to the power generation cell 10 is higher than the pressure of the oxidant gas supplied to the power generation cell 10 . Therefore, the fuel gas having a higher pressure than the oxidant gas flowing through the second buffer portion 41 flows through the first buffer portion 39 .

In the MEA 12a, the oxidant gas supplied to the cathode electrode 26 and the fuel gas supplied to the anode electrode 24 are consumed by electrochemical reactions in the second electrode catalyst layer 26a and the first electrode catalyst layer 24a, Power generation takes place.

Next, in FIG. 1, the oxidant gas supplied to and consumed by the cathode electrode 26 is discharged in the direction of arrow A along the oxidant gas outlet communication hole 18b. Similarly, the fuel gas supplied to and consumed by the anode electrode 24 is discharged in the arrow A direction along the fuel gas outlet communication hole 16b.

Also, the cooling medium supplied to the cooling medium inlet communication hole 20a flows in the arrow B direction after being introduced into the cooling medium flow path 42 between the first separator 14a and the second separator 14b. After cooling the MEA 12a, the cooling medium is discharged from the cooling medium outlet communication hole 20b.

This embodiment has the following effects.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the outer peripheral portion of the anode electrode 24 is located inside the first buffer portion 39 (on the fuel gas flow path 38 side), and the outer peripheral portion of the cathode electrode 26 is a resin frame member. 22 and the second buffer unit 41 . Therefore, since the outer peripheral portion of the anode electrode 24 (first gas diffusion layer 24b) does not overlap in the first buffer portion 39, the depth H1 (channel height) of the first buffer portion 39 can be easily secured. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in pressure loss in the first buffer section 39 while suppressing an increase in the thickness of each unit cell, thereby enhancing the performance of the first buffer section 39 .

Fuel gas having a pressure higher than that of the oxidant gas flowing through the second buffer portion 41 flows through the first buffer portion 39 . Therefore, a repeated stress based on the gas differential pressure P acts on the resin frame member 22 from the first buffer portion 39 side toward the second buffer portion 41 side. In this case, since the resin frame member 22 is supported by the outer peripheral portion of the second gas diffusion layer 26b, damage to the resin frame member 22 due to repeated stress based on the gas differential pressure P can be suppressed. Also, the thickness of the resin frame member 22 can be made thinner.

The resin frame member 22 has a first frame-shaped sheet 22a and a second frame-shaped sheet 22b joined to the first frame-shaped sheet 22a. With such a laminated structure, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the overlapped portion between the resin frame member 22 and the anode electrode 24 and the cathode electrode 26, thereby suppressing the increase of the step due to bonding. Moreover, the strength of the resin frame member 22 can be improved.

The electrolyte membrane 23, the first electrode catalyst layer 24a, and the second electrode catalyst layer 26a in the outer peripheral portion of the catalyst coated membrane 27 overlap the inner peripheral portion of the first frame-shaped sheet 22a and the inner peripheral portion of the second frame-shaped sheet 22b. It is sandwiched by and. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the iron component (Fe contamination) derived from the separator 14 from entering the electrolyte membrane 23 (power generation region) through the outer end portion of the catalyst coating membrane 27, thereby preventing deterioration of the electrolyte membrane 23. can be suppressed.

An overlapping portion 54 where the inner peripheral portion of the resin frame member 22 and the outer peripheral portion of the anode electrode 24 overlap overlaps the stepped portion 38s that is lower than the general portion 38n of the flow path projection 38a. Therefore, a local increase in surface pressure at the overlapping portion 54 can be avoided.

In the resin-framed MEA 12A of the power generation cell 10A according to the aspect (first modification) shown in FIG. and the inner peripheral portion of the second frame-shaped sheet 22b. The outer peripheral portion of the first electrode catalyst layer 24 a is arranged between the inner peripheral portion of the first frame-shaped sheet 22 a and the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane 23 . The inner peripheral portion of the first frame-shaped sheet 22a is joined to the outer peripheral portion of the first electrode catalyst layer 24a via an adhesive layer 22c. The outer peripheral portion of the second electrode catalyst layer 26 a is arranged between the inner peripheral portion of the second frame-shaped sheet 22 b and the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane 23 . The inner peripheral portion of the second frame-shaped sheet 22b is joined to the outer peripheral portion of the second electrode catalyst layer 26a and the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane 23 (the other surface 23b) via the adhesive layer 22c. Therefore, the adhesive layer 22c is filled between the outer end surface of the second electrode catalyst layer 26a and the outer end surface of the electrolyte membrane 23. As shown in FIG.

In a resin-framed MEA 12B of a power generation cell 10B according to the aspect (second modification) shown in FIG. The frame-shaped sheet 62 is joined to the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane 23 via the adhesive layer 22c. According to the aspect of FIG. 5, the structure of the resin frame member 60 can be simplified.

The above embodiments are summarized as follows.

The above embodiment is an electrolyte membrane/electrode assembly with a resin frame ( 12), a first separator (14a) laminated on one side of the resin-framed electrolyte membrane/electrode assembly, and a second separator (14a) laminated on the other side of the resin-framed electrolyte membrane/electrode assembly ( 14b), wherein the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly comprises an electrolyte membrane, a first electrode (24) disposed on one side of the electrolyte membrane, and the electrolyte membrane and a second electrode (26) disposed on the other side and having a plane dimension larger than that of the first electrode, and the first separator faces the power generation region of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly to perform the first reaction. A first reaction gas channel (38) for flowing gas, first communication holes (16a, 16b) penetrating in the thickness direction of the power generation cell, the first reaction gas channel and the first communication hole and the second separator has a second reactant gas channel for flowing a second reactant gas facing the power generation region of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly. (40), second communicating holes (18a, 18b) passing through the power generation cell in the thickness direction, and a second buffer portion (41) communicating the second reactant gas flow path and the second communicating hole; , the outer peripheral portion of the first electrode is located inside the first buffer portion on the first reactant gas flow path side, and the outer peripheral portion of the second electrode is the electrolyte membrane with a resin frame. - The power generating cell is disposed between the resin frame member and the second buffer section in the stacking direction of the electrode structure and the second separator.

The depth (H2) of the second buffer part is deeper than the depth (H1) of the first buffer part.

The first reaction gas having a pressure higher than that of the second reaction gas flowing through the second buffer portion flows through the first buffer portion.

The resin frame member has a first frame-shaped sheet (22a) and a second frame-shaped sheet (22b) joined to the first frame-shaped sheet.

The first electrode has a first electrode catalyst layer (24a) arranged on one side of the electrolyte membrane, and the second electrode has a second electrode catalyst layer (24a) arranged on the other side of the electrolyte membrane. 24a), a catalyst-coated membrane (27) is composed of the electrolyte membrane, the first electrode catalyst layer, and the second electrode catalyst layer, and the electrolyte membrane and the The first electrode catalyst layer and the second electrode catalyst layer are sandwiched between the inner peripheral portion of the first frame-shaped sheet and the inner peripheral portion of the second frame-shaped sheet.

The first electrode has a first electrode catalyst layer (24a) arranged on one surface of the electrolyte membrane, and a first gas diffusion layer (24b) overlapping the first electrode catalyst layer. The electrodes consist of a second electrode catalyst layer (26a) arranged on the other surface of the electrolyte membrane, and a second gas diffusion layer (26b) overlapping the second electrode catalyst layer and having a plane dimension larger than that of the first gas diffusion layer. ), the planar dimensions of the first electrode catalyst layer and the second electrode catalyst layer are different from each other, and the inner peripheral portion of the first frame-shaped sheet is the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane/electrode assembly It has a first overlapping portion (22ak) that overlaps with the second electrode catalyst layer and is sandwiched between the larger electrode catalyst layer and the first gas diffusion layer of the first electrode catalyst layer and the second electrode catalyst layer, and the second frame-shaped The inner peripheral portion of the sheet has a second overlapping portion (22bk) that overlaps the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly, and the smaller electrode catalyst layer of the first electrode catalyst layer and the second electrode catalyst layer. and the second gas diffusion layer.

The first frame-shaped sheet and the second frame-shaped sheet are joined by an adhesive layer (22c).

The adhesive layer provided on the inner peripheral portion of the first frame-shaped sheet is in contact with the large electrode catalyst layer, and the adhesive layer provided on the inner peripheral portion of the second frame-shaped sheet is in contact with the It abuts on a small electrocatalyst layer.

The resin frame member is composed of one frame-shaped sheet (62).

A first projection dimension (L1) by which the second electrode protrudes outward from the first electrode in the longitudinal direction of the first reaction gas flow channel and the second reaction gas flow channel is defined by the first reaction gas It is larger than a second protrusion dimension (L2) of the second electrode protruding outward from the first electrode in the width direction of the channel and the second reaction gas channel.

The first buffer portion or the second buffer portion has one or both of projections (50t, 52t) for guiding channels and embossments.

An overlapping portion 54 where the inner peripheral portion of the resin frame member overlaps the outer peripheral portion of the first electrode is located outside the first reaction gas flow path.

The above embodiment is an electrolyte membrane/electrode assembly with a resin frame ( 12), wherein the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly comprises an electrolyte membrane (23), a first electrode (24) arranged on one side of the electrolyte membrane, and the a second electrode (26) having a larger planar dimension than the first electrode, the first electrode comprising a first electrode catalyst layer (24a) arranged on one surface of the electrolyte membrane; a first gas diffusion layer (24b) overlapping the catalyst layer; the second electrode comprises a second electrode catalyst layer (26a) disposed on the other side of the electrolyte membrane; and a second gas diffusion layer (26b) which overlaps and has a plane dimension larger than that of the first gas diffusion layer, and a catalyst coated membrane (26b) formed by the electrolyte membrane, the first electrode catalyst layer and the second electrode catalyst layer 27), wherein the resin frame member has a first frame-shaped sheet (22a) and a second frame-shaped sheet (22b) joined to the first frame-shaped sheet, and the catalyst coated membrane The electrolyte membrane, the first electrode catalyst layer, and the second electrode catalyst layer in the outer peripheral portion of are sandwiched between the inner peripheral portion of the first frame-shaped sheet and the inner peripheral portion of the second frame-shaped sheet The resin frame member has a non-overlapping portion (22f) that does not overlap with the catalyst coating film, and the outer peripheral end (24be) of the first gas diffusion layer is located inside the non-overlapping portion. and the outer peripheral portion of the second gas diffusion layer overlaps the non-overlapping portion.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 10A... Power generation cell 12, 12A... Resin-framed electrolyte membrane/electrode structure 12a... MEA 14a... First separator 14b... Second separator 22... Resin frame member 24... Anode electrode 26... Cathode electrode 39... First buffer Part 41... Second buffer part

Claims (13)

an electrolyte membrane/electrode assembly with a resin frame, comprising an electrolyte membrane/electrode assembly and a resin frame member bonded to the outer periphery of the electrolyte membrane/electrode assembly;
a first separator laminated on one surface of the resin-framed electrolyte membrane/electrode structure;
a second separator laminated on the other surface of the electrolyte membrane/electrode assembly with a resin frame;
A power generation cell comprising
The electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly includes an electrolyte membrane, a first electrode arranged on one side of the electrolyte membrane, and a second electrode arranged on the other side of the electrolyte membrane and having a plane dimension larger than that of the first electrode. and
The first separator has a first reaction gas flow path for flowing a first reaction gas facing the power generation region of the electrolyte membrane electrode assembly, and a first communication hole penetrating in the thickness direction of the power generation cell. , a first buffer portion communicating between the first reaction gas flow path and the first communication hole,
The second separator includes: a second reaction gas flow path for flowing a second reaction gas facing the power generation region of the electrolyte membrane electrode assembly; and a second communication hole penetrating in the thickness direction of the power generation cell. and a second buffer portion communicating between the second reactant gas flow path and the second communication hole,
an outer peripheral portion of the first electrode is positioned inward of the first buffer portion on the side of the first reactant gas flow path, and
The outer peripheral portion of the second electrode is arranged between the resin frame member and the second buffer portion in the stacking direction of the resin-framed electrolyte membrane/electrode assembly and the second separator. cell. In the power generation cell according to claim 1,
The power generating cell, wherein the depth of the second buffer section is deeper than the depth of the first buffer section. In the power generation cell according to claim 2,
The power generation cell, wherein the first reaction gas having a pressure higher than that of the second reaction gas flowing through the second buffer portion flows through the first buffer portion. In the power generation cell according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The power generating cell, wherein the resin frame member has a first frame-shaped sheet and a second frame-shaped sheet joined to the first frame-shaped sheet. In the power generation cell according to claim 4,
The first electrode has a first electrode catalyst layer disposed on one side of the electrolyte membrane,
The second electrode has a second electrode catalyst layer disposed on the other surface of the electrolyte membrane,
A catalyst coated membrane is constituted by the electrolyte membrane, the first electrode catalyst layer and the second electrode catalyst layer,
The electrolyte membrane, the first electrode catalyst layer, and the second electrode catalyst layer in the outer peripheral portion of the catalyst-coated membrane are the inner peripheral portion of the first frame-shaped sheet and the inner peripheral portion of the second frame-shaped sheet. A power generating cell sandwiched between and. In the power generation cell according to claim 4,
The first electrode has a first electrode catalyst layer arranged on one surface of the electrolyte membrane and a first gas diffusion layer overlapping the first electrode catalyst layer,
The second electrode includes a second electrode catalyst layer arranged on the other surface of the electrolyte membrane, and a second gas diffusion layer overlapping the second electrode catalyst layer and having a plane dimension larger than that of the first gas diffusion layer. have
The first electrode catalyst layer and the second electrode catalyst layer have different planar dimensions,
The inner peripheral portion of the first frame-shaped sheet has a first overlapping portion that overlaps the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly, and the larger electrode catalyst layer of the first electrode catalyst layer and the second electrode catalyst layer. sandwiched between the layer and the first gas diffusion layer,
The inner peripheral portion of the second frame-shaped sheet has a second overlapping portion that overlaps the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly, and the smaller electrode between the first electrode catalyst layer and the second electrode catalyst layer. A power generating cell sandwiched between a catalyst layer and the second gas diffusion layer. In the power generation cell according to claim 6,
The power generating cell, wherein the first frame-shaped sheet and the second frame-shaped sheet are joined by an adhesive layer. In the power generation cell according to claim 7,
The adhesive layer provided on the inner peripheral portion of the first frame-shaped sheet is in contact with the large electrode catalyst layer,
The power generating cell, wherein the adhesive layer provided on the inner peripheral portion of the second frame-shaped sheet is in contact with the small electrode catalyst layer. In the power generation cell according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The power generating cell, wherein the resin frame member is configured by one frame-shaped sheet. In the power generation cell according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
A first projection dimension of the second electrode that protrudes outward from the first electrode in the length direction of the first reaction gas flow channel and the second reaction gas flow channel is determined by: The power generation cell is larger than a second protrusion dimension of the second electrode protruding outward from the first electrode in the width direction of the second reactant gas flow path. In the power generation cell according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The power generation cell, wherein the first buffer portion or the second buffer portion has one or both of a projection for a guide channel and an embossment. In the power generation cell according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The power generation cell, wherein an overlapping portion where an inner peripheral portion of the resin frame member and an outer peripheral portion of the first electrode overlap is positioned outside the first reaction gas flow path. An electrolyte membrane/electrode assembly with a resin frame, comprising: an electrolyte membrane/electrode assembly; and a resin frame member bonded to the outer periphery of the electrolyte membrane/electrode assembly,
The electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly includes an electrolyte membrane, a first electrode arranged on one side of the electrolyte membrane, and a second electrode arranged on the other side of the electrolyte membrane and having a plane dimension larger than that of the first electrode. and
The first electrode has a first electrode catalyst layer arranged on one surface of the electrolyte membrane and a first gas diffusion layer overlapping the first electrode catalyst layer,
The second electrode includes a second electrode catalyst layer arranged on the other surface of the electrolyte membrane, and a second gas diffusion layer overlapping the second electrode catalyst layer and having a plane dimension larger than that of the first gas diffusion layer. have
A catalyst coated membrane is constituted by the electrolyte membrane, the first electrode catalyst layer and the second electrode catalyst layer,
The resin frame member has a first frame-shaped sheet and a second frame-shaped sheet joined to the first frame-shaped sheet,
The electrolyte membrane, the first electrode catalyst layer, and the second electrode catalyst layer in the outer peripheral portion of the catalyst-coated membrane are the inner peripheral portion of the first frame-shaped sheet and the inner peripheral portion of the second frame-shaped sheet. is sandwiched between
The resin frame member has a non-overlapping portion that does not overlap the catalyst coating film,
an outer peripheral edge of the first gas diffusion layer is located inward of the non-overlapping portion;
An electrolyte membrane/electrode structure with a resin frame, wherein the outer peripheral portion of the second gas diffusion layer overlaps the non-overlapping portion.

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